Domoșu – Historical Overview
Domoșu (Kalotadámos) is a small village with a predominantly Hungarian population, belonging to the commune of Sâncraiu. Its Reformed church, with its shingled roof and coffered ceiling, is considered one of the most beautiful and valuable Reformed churches in the Kalotaszeg (Țara Călatei) region.
Although the settlement was probably inhabited from the beginning of the so called Árpád era (between 1000–1240), it is first mentioned in documents in 1408 under the name villa Damus, a name derived from a person’s name. Later references include: 1473 (Damas), 1496 and 1508 (Damws).
From the 11th century, Domoșu was a royal estate belonging to the fortress of Bologa. In 1433, Sigismund of Luxembourg donated the settlement to the Bánffy family, who became one of the most important landowning families of the Kalotaszeg region. The Bánffy family remained the village’s landlords until the mid-19th century. In the second half of the 16th century, the inhabitants converted from Catholicism to the Reformed faith.
The Monument Church of Domoșu (Kalotadámos)
The Reformed (Calvinist) church of Domoșu (Kalotadámos), located in the center of the village and surrounded by a stone wall with two wooden gates, is a representative monument of the architecture of the Kalotaszeg region.
Although there are no written documents regarding its construction, its architectural style suggests a Romanesque nave dating from the 13th century and a Gothic gallery from the 15th century, later enlarged. The tower is of medieval origin, while the Renaissance western entrance was created in the 16th century.
The interior impresses visitors with its richly painted wooden furnishings, created between the early 18th century and 1830. The pulpit crown and part of the coffered panels were made by the craftsman Felvinci, while the remaining painted ceiling and the Lord’s Table were created by Umling Lőrinc, a renowned Saxon master whose works can also be found in several churches throughout the region.
The stone tower was built in 1701 and features four corner turrets (representing the 4 evangelists from the Bible) and two bells, one of which was cast in Cluj in 1872. The Lord’s Table is round, with decorated legs and the inscription of the year 1746 inside.
The coffered ceilings and galleries are richly decorated with floral motifs and figurative scenes, including fruit trees, cranes, hunting scenes, dragons, eagles, pelicans, and storks, inspired by the symbolic imagery of the period. The nave is covered with 41 painted panels, while the gallery contains 40, all executed in a harmonious style.
Horlacea (Jákótelke) – History and Church
Horlacea (Jákótelke) is located 8 km south of the town of Huedin. The village name probably derives from the Jákó family. Its first documented mention dates from 1393 under the name Possessio regalis Jakotelke alio nomine Horthlaka, from which the Romanian name of the village also originates. Other historical references include: 1839 (Horletsej, Horlotsel), 1873 (Horlecsec, Jakotelke), and 1920 (Harlocia).
In 1850, the village had 108 inhabitants, while by 1992 the population had grown to 173. The Hungarian community has belonged to the Reformed faith since the time of the Reformation.
The Reformed church of Jákótelke was built in the 15th century in Gothic style. The western section was modified in 1685 and renovated in 1747. The eastern section was rebuilt in 1804, while the tower dates from 1842.
Following later renovations, the church lost part of its traditional ethnographic character, since the painted coffered ceilings created by Umling Lőrinc and his son in 1786 were not reinstalled, due to limited resources. In addition, sheet metal replaced the original wooden shingles on the roof, and the small corner turrets were omitted, altering the original appearance of the building. The church bell was cast in 1866 in the Andrásovszky workshop in Cluj.
Church Life
The parish has 155 members in Domoșu and 107 in Jákótelke, and the two churches belong to the same parish community.
Community activities include Sunday services (10:30 in Domoșu and 12:00 in Horlacea), weekly Bible study sessions held between November and Easter (Wednesdays in Horlacea and Thursdays in Domoșu), monthly women’s fellowship meetings, religious education classes for children during the school year followed by a vacation Bible week, as well as confirmation classes and occasional youth activities.
